More than 60 people from across the country joined a recent CHFT presentation to NHS England about some of the work we have done co-designing improvements with our local families.

The “Shine a Light on Co-production" event, CHFT Children and Young People – Invest Today for Our Adults Tomorrow, saw former patient and now Apprentice Administrative Assistant in Research and Development, Drew Greenwood, talk in depth about his experience transitioning from paediatrics to adult services.

Lead Nurse for Children and Young People (CYP), Julie Mellor, said: “Drew was instrumental in supporting improvements here at CHFT and we worked together to improve the experience for him and others within adult services. We encouraged him to take on the first ever role of Youth Ambassador in the Trust and he has helped to contribute, and shape change in Children’s Services on numerous projects.                                                                                             

“Drew, his mum and other families helped with the layout and design of the new Rainbow Community Hub at Elland, working with the architects and colleagues to make the decisions.”

The event also saw the team share more information about the development and launch of the Children and Young People Strategy, and the CHFT Charity Ray of Sunshine appeal.

Lorraine Wolfenden who is a Publicly elected Governor/Lead Governor, gave her first impressions since being elected. And Membership and Engagement Manager, Vanessa Henderson, shared more on how our new Associate Youth Governors, Izzy Swindells and Chase Cockroft, have had an input into interview questions for CYP roles, as well as lots of work planned for the coming year to support further improvement.

Comments made on the day included:

• “Thank you for the opportunity to attend and hear about such inspirational work for CYP. I am blown away!!”
• "What a lovely way to introduce the centre to young people and their families"
• "Love these visuals based on what matters to children and young people and their families"
• “What a phenomenal young man you are Drew. Incredible work! So heartwarming!”

Pictured: Left - Drew, middle clockwise: Lorraine, Vanessa, Izzy and Chase. Julie is pictured far right.